Winter in the Golden Triangle has multiple personality disorder — unseasonable warm for a while, rain-soaked for a while longer and then, desperately cold.
It is the arrival of the cold that represents the greatest danger for the most vulnerable people in our community, those who are homeless or, perhaps, live in homes that have inadequate heating.
With temperatures expected to fall into the 20s this weekend, the city of Columbus, working with the Golden Triangle Regional Homeless Coalition and Loaves and Fishes, will open a temporary shelter for those who need a warm place to sleep on nights when the temperature drops below freezing. The shelter is available both for the homeless or for homeowners and renters without adequate heating in their homes.
The shelter is located at the Farmers Market Annex (previously the Boy Scout Hut), next to the Hitching Lot Farmers Market. It will open Saturday through Tuesday, 5 p.m.-8 a.m.
Sandra DePriest, co-president of the Golden Triangle Regional Homeless Coalition, said Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen would provide food each of those nights. Columbus Police Department will provide security, and there will be two volunteers each night.
Community support is also needed, especially in the form of new pillows and blankets. Games, books and other things to help occupants pass the time are also being solicited.
Anyone wishing to make donations should call Columbus Community Outreach Director Glenda Richardson at 662-364-1850.
Columbus is promoted as “The Friendly City,” but it could also be accurately described as the “Giving City.” Our history has shown that when a need arises, our community responds.
We expect that to be true in this case as well as the worst of winter weather approaches.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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